OK, I'm, going to get serious here for a minute but just for a minute and then I want to hear the NRT's belting out "Whiskey Drinkin' Woman".
As Penitent said, when I came here, I was not very confident in my quit or in the whole idea of belonging to a support group. I thought it was weak and wimpy and overkill for smoking. In fact, I even posted once, "come on, people, we're smokers, not smackheads". I was worried that people I knew would find out & laugh at me for not being strong enough to quit on my own. I was worried that I wouldn't fit in because I'm not a cuddly, nurturing kind of person.
I joined anyway because I desperately wanted to quit and support was the only thing I hadn't tried yet.
This site has absolutely been the single biggest reason for my staying quit. When I slipped early on, I found nothing but understanding, support and encouragement. When I have had doubts and posted for help, as hard as that was for me, I have always had my 5 replies and they have always been exactly what I needed.
I have felt from the first day, when Bear's big paw grabbed me & swept me in close, that I am accepted, protected and loved here. It's safe and feeling safe (if I'm honest, for the first time ever) allowed me to acknowledge that I am an addict, just like any smackhead and that there is no shame in that. That the only thing that matters is getting out from under it.
The opportunity to help others has meant a lot to me and has really helped in my quit, too, in so many ways. It helps to know that other people have similar doubts and weaknesses and get through them, it helps enormously to see people like blue cloud and Imaquitter with such amazing attitudes. I can't let those people down.
And of course, I have made some of the best friends I have ever had, here. Some of you know who you are. Some of you have no idea how you have lifted me up, given me hope and confidence and determination to keep going and keep giving.
Newbies & lurkers, give this site all you can and you wil get back so much more!!!
No, NRT'S, let's ROCK 'N ROLL!!! Bear, dance?
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B]5/13/2007
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 100
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 2,000
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1,100.00
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 10 [B]Hrs:[/B] 1 [B]Mins:[/B] 21 [B]Seconds:[/B] 24